Screen construction



Feb. 2, 1943. w. R. FRY

SCREEN CONSTRUCTION Filed April 9, 1941 Patented Feb. 2, 1943 UNITE STATES AT ENT OFFICE SCREEN CONSTRUCTION William It. Fry, Brookline, Pa;, assignonby mesne assignments, to Continental Screen Company, Detroit, Mich, a corporation of Michigan Application April 9', 1941, Serial No. 387,720

(Cl. 16(l228-) 12 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful immovements in Window screens. and, more particularly to screens which are extensible so that they can be extended and contracted to fit window frames of different widths.

One object of the invention is to provide an extensible window screen of the type described that is durable and eificient and which is. susceptible of easy and economical manufacture and assembly.

Another object of the invention is. to provide an extensible window screen of the character set forth wherein improved sliding connections. are provided between the screen sections whereby extension and contraction of the screen is made comparatively easy and free from sticking and binding.

Still another object of the invention isv to. provide a screen of the. type set forth wherein the lapping extensible frame portions thereof are of metal and hence not subject to warping or swelling in damp weather.

A further object of the invention is to provide an extensible screen as setforth wherein the screen mesh is novelly constructed and arranged and provided with means permitting it to be detachably secured and held in stretched position in the frame structure of the screen.

These'and other objects of the invention and the various features and details of the construction and operation thereof are hereinafter fully set forth and described, and shown in the accompanying drawing-in which:

Figure 1 is a View in perspective of anextensible window screen embodying the present invention.

Figure 2 is "an enlarged fragmentary view, partially in section, taken'on line 22, Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an enlarged view in section taken on line 3-3, Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a view in perspective of one. of the Wire mesh sections of the screen.

Figure 5 is an enlarged view in section taken on line 55, Figure. 4.

Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view in perspective of the lower inner end portion of the left hand frame section of the screen;

Figure 7 is a view in perspective of a sliding connection insert for the lapping extensible members of the screen frame sections; and

Figure 8 is a view in perspective of a modified sliding connection insert for the lapping extensible members of the screen frame sections.

Referring now more particularly to the drawing, the screen comprises two overlapping screen sections A and B of substantially identical construction including respectively, end or side frame members I and la of wood, sheet metal top and bottom frame runner members 2;, 3 and 2a,. 3a respectively, of generally channel crossesection shape, and sheet metal members t and 4a of generally rectangular cross-section shape which form the inner end or side frame portions. of the said screen sections.

As previously stated, the top and bottom runner members 2', 3 and 2a, 3a of each frame section are of generally channel. shape in cross-sec.- tion and, as shown in Figure 2 of the drawing, their free edge portions are turned inward to provide or form laterally extending flanges 5 and 6 defining between them a longitudinally extend.- ing opening 1 (see Figure 6) in the meeting faces of said runner members. The outer ends of these channel runner members 2, 3 and 2a and 3a are preferably closed by bending thereacross a lip portion L provided for that purpose at the outer end of each such channel runner member.

Each screen section is provided with a section of wiremesh 8, and, as shown in' Figures 4 and 5, the top and bottom edges of these sections are secured or bound in sheet metal strips 9 of angular eross section shape. The included angle between the angularly disposed portions of said strip 9 is less than The members 4- and 4a are; of greater length than the width or height of the wire mesh sections 8 and theprojecting opposite end portions of said members and 4a arecutas indicated at I 9 (Figure 6') to provide relatively spaced portions it and I12 of generally channel and flat strip-like form respectively. These projecting channelportions. l! are constructed and arranged. for insertion into the runner members: 2; 3 and 2a, 3a respectively through openings it provided in the inner wall portion of each of said runner members, and the flat stripportions l-Z are arranged, as shown, to overlie the flanges 5- of said runner frame members. The portions 12 are each provided with anoutwardly offset boss or raised portion M, for apurpose to be later set forth, and with an inwardly directed leg portion Me which projects into the channel portion H as shown in Figure 6 of the drawings thereby giving rigidity and support to said portions l2. with respect to the members 4, 4a..

In mounting the wire mesh sections 8 (and their attached edge members 9)-, the projecting. portions I! of the members 4', 4a are inserted through the aforesaid openings IL" in the respective top and bottom runner frame members, and

the free edge portion of the angular binding strips 9 are engaged over the edges of the flanges '5 of said runner frame members (see Figures 2 and 6) after which the inner edges of the mesh sections 8 are bound into the members 4, 4a and the outer or side edges of said wire mesh sections 8 then may be secured within a slot in the outer end wood frame sections I and la respectively by any suitable means such as, for example, tacks or small nails [5. This construction and assembly of the wire mesh sections renders them readily detachable and replaceable.

The top and bottom frame runner members 2, 3 and 2a, 3a respectively, are arranged so that the longitudinal Openings 7 provided between their inwardly turned-flanges 5 and 6 reside opposite each other in their lapping or meeting faces in the relation shown in Figure 2 of the drawing, and the outer ends of these members are disposed in slots IS in the ends of the wood and frame members I and la, respectively, to which they are secured, for example, by means of tacks or small nails l1.

In order to provide a sliding connection of low friction between the frame runner members 2, 2a and 3, 3a of the two screen sections A and B, the present invention comprehends a novel connector member or insert I8 as shown in Figure 7. This insert 18 is of unitary sheet metal construction and of generally channel cross-section shape constructed and arranged to fit within the frame runner members at their inner ends (see Figure 6). As shown in Figure '7, the insert 18 includes a bottom portion l9 and side portions 26 and 2! extending at right angles thereto, as well as an end Wall portion 22 which provides an end closure for the particular frame runner member in which inserted.

To retain the inserts [8 within the frame runner members a portion of the insert side wall is bent outwardly as indicated at 23 for engagement with the adjacent side wall portion of the associated frame runner member through an opening 24 provided therein as shown in Figure 6 of the drawing. The other wall 2| of the insert l8, on the other hand, has a portion thereof offset inwardly and parallel to said wall 21 as indicated at 25 and this inwardly offset finger 25 has its free end bent laterally outward as indicated at 26. In addition, there is provided on the end wall portion 22 of said inserts (8 a vertical projecting portion 21 having angularly disposed ears 28 for strengthening purposes. This projection 2'! is disposed in the plane of the end wall portion 22 and is of a width or cross-wise dimension slightly less than the width of the longitudinal opening '1 in the meeting faces of the frame runner members. The projections 21 and fingers 25 are of such length or height that they project outwardly through the opening I of the runner member in which the insert [8 is mounted and also through the opening I and inwardly of the adjacent overlapping runner member (as shown in Figure 2) with the bent free end 26 of the finger 25 engaging under the outer flange 6 of said adjacent runner member where it is held by the projection 21.

After the two screen sections A and B have been completely assembled independently of each other, with the exception of connector inserts l8, the first step in the assembly of the composite screen is to lay the screen sections A and B in partially lapping relation, for example, as shown in Figure 1 of the drawing, with a portion of erting pressure inwardly on the portion 23 to dising portions l2 at opposite ends of the mesh edge I of the screen.

section B overlapping a portion of section A as shown.

With the sections A and B of the screen in this relation the connector inserts l8 are inserted in the inner ends of each of the top and bottom frame runner members 2, 3 and 2a., 3a, respectively, and this is done by taking an insert l8 and placing it upon the unlapped portion of the top frame runner 2 of section A, for example, so that the finger 25 and projection 21 extend inwardly of the longitudinal opening 1 therein with the bent free end portion 26 of the finger 25 engaging under the flange B of said runner member 2 and the projection 21 disposed crosswise of the said opening "I and maintaining the bent flange 26 of finger 25 engaged beneath the runner flange 6. The insert thus positioned on the runner member 2 may then he slid longitudinally to the right and its body portion inserted into the end ofthe overlying top frame runner member 2a of section B to the extent that the end wall portion 22 of said insert resides flush with and closes the end of the said runner member 2a at which time the outwardly pressed portion 23 of the inner side Wall 20 of the insert will spring into engagement with the wall of the runner member 2a through opening 24 thereby retaining said insert against displacement from the runner member 2a of section B.

In like manner, connectors l8 are inserted in the inner ends of the top runner member 2 of section A and also the bottom runner members 3 and 3a of sections A and B respectively. Removal of the inserts I8 to disassemble the composite screen may be accomplished readily by exengage the same from the wall of the runner member after which said insert 18 may be removed from its runner member.

As previously stated, the fiat strip-like projectmembers 4, 4a, which overlie the flanges 5 of the associated frame runner members are each provided with outwardly offset bosses or raised portions l4, and these bosses or raised portions 14 are constructed and arranged to project inwardly of the longitudinal opening I in the meeting face of the adjacent overlapping runner member. Hence, in the extreme extended position of the screen sections A and B the bosses M on the member 4 engage cooperatively with the bosses or portions [4 of the member 4a as shown in Figure 3 of the drawing thereby providing abutting stops which function to prevent separation of the screen sections during normaloperation and use A somewhat modified form of connector insert is shown in Figure 8 of the drawing and designated lBa. This form of insert is structurally similar to that previously described except that the projection 2! forming a part of the end wall 22 of insert I8 has been omitted and a pair of spaced fingers 210 are pressed out from the bottom portion l9a and disposed in a longitudinal plane parallel to the upstanding portion of the finger 25a. These fingers 21a are spaced from the finger 25 a distance slightly less than the width of the runner openings 1 and are of such height or length that they project through the opening I of the adjacent overlapping runner and operate to retain the bent flange 26a of finger 25a engaged beneath the flange 6 of such adjacent runner member.

Thus the present invention provides an extensible window screen which is durable, efficient ation of the screen at all times easy and free from sticking and binding, and the construction of the essential operative elements of the screen of metal renders them not subject to warping or swelling in damp weather.

While a particular embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it is not intended that said invention be limited to such disclosure but that changes and modifications may be made and embodied in the invention within the scope of the annexed claims.

I claim:

1. In a Window screen of the type comprising a plurality of screen sections arranged in overlapping extensible relation and each having a frame structure including top and bottom channel runner members provided in their respective meeting faces with inwardly directed flanges defining therebetween longitudinally extending openings in substantial alignment, a connecting insert mounted internally of the end of each of said top and bottom channel runner members, said insert having bottom and side wall portions for disposition adjacent the bottom and side wall portions of said channel runner members, and means projecting from said insert through the aligned openings in the meeting faces of said overlapping runner members and slidably engaging under one of the flanges of the adjacent runner member.

2. In a window screen of the type comprising a plurality of screen sections arranged in overlapping extensible relation and each having a frame structure including top and bottom channel runner members provided in their respective meeting faces with inwardly directed flanges defining therebetween longitudinally extending openings in substantial alignment, 9. connecting insert mounted internally of the end of each of said top and bottom channel runner members, said insert having bottom and side wall portions for disposition adjacent the bottom and side wall portions of said channel runner members, means prcjecting fro-m said insert through the aligned openings in the meeting faces of said overlapping runner members and slidably engaging under one of the flanges of the adjacent runner member, and means on said insert operable normally to prevent dislodgement of the first means from sliding engagement with said flange.

3. In a window screen of the type comprising a plurality of screen sections arranged in overlapping extensible relation and each having a frame structure including top and bottom channel runner members provided in their respective meeting faces with inwardly directed flanges defining therebetween longitudinally extending openings in substantial alignment, a connecting insert mounted internally of the end of each of said top and bottom channel runner members, said insert having bottom and side wall portions for disposition adjacent the bottom and side wall portions of said channel runner members, means projecting from said insert through the aligned openings in the meeting faces of said overlapping runner members and slidably engaging under one of the flanges of the adjacent runner member, and other means projecting from said insert through the aligned openings in the meeting faces of said runner members and operative normally to prevent dislodgement of the first means from sliding engagement with said flange.

4. In a window screenoi the type comprising a plurality of screen sections arranged in overlapping extensible relation and each having a frame structure including top and bottom chan-' nel runner members provided in their respective meeting faces with inwardly directed flanges defining therebetween longitudinally extending openings in substantial alignment, a connecting insert mounted internally of the end of each of said top and bottom channel runner members, said insert having bottom and side wall portions for disposition adjacent the bottom and side wall portions of said channel runner members, means projecting from said insert through the aligned openings inthe meeting faces of said overlapping runner members and slidably engaging under one of the flanges of the adjacent runner member, means on said insert operable normally to prevent dislodgement of the first means from sliding engagement with said flange, and means on said insert interlocked with its associated runner member to prevent displacement of said insert therefrom.

5. In a window screen of the type comprising a plurality of screen sections arranged in overlapping extensible relation and each having a frame structure including top and bottom channel runner members provided in their respective meeting faces with inwardly directed flanges defining therebetween longitudinally extending openings in substantial alignment, a connecting insert mounted internally of the end of each of said top and bottom channel runner members, said insert having bottom and side wall portions for disposition adjacent the bottom and side wall portions of said channel runner members, means projecting from said insert through the aligned openings in the meeting faces of said overlapping runner members and slidably engaging under one of the flanges of the adjacent runner member, other means projecting from said insert through the aligned openings in the meeting faces of said runner members and operative normally to prevent dislodgement of the first means from sliding engagement with said flange, and means on said insert interlocked with its associated runner member to prevent displacement of said insert therefrom.

6. In a window screen of the type comprising a plurality of screen sections arranged in overlapping extensible relation and each ha'ving a frame structure including top and bottom chan nel runner members provided in their respectime meeting faces with inwardly directed flanges defining therebetween longitudinally extending openings in substantial alignment, a connecting insert mounted internally of the end of each of said top and bottom channel runner members, said insert having bottom and side wall portions for disposition adjacent the bottom and side wall portions of said channel runner members, means projecting from said insert through the aligned openings in the meeting faces of said overlapping runner members and slidably engaging under one of the flanges of the adjacent runner member, other means projecting from said insert through the aligned openings in the meeting faces of said runner members and operative normally to prevent dislodgement of the first means from sliding engagement with said flange, and a portion pressed outwardly from one side Wall of the insert and interlocked with its associated runner member normally to prevent displacement of said insert from said runner member.

7. An insert for slidably connecting the overlapping runner members of an extensible structure comprising a member of generally chamiel cross-section shape including bottom and side wall portions, a finger portion projecting from the bottom of the member in the direction of and adjacent one side wall portion thereof, said finger having its free end portion bent laterally outward to provide an engageable projection, and at least one other projection on said member in the same direction as the finger constituting a position maintaining stop for the member and the first finger, said finger and other projection being relatively spaced from each other.

8. An insert for slidably connecting the overlapping runner members of an extensible structure comprising a sheet metal member of generally channel cross-section shape including bottom, end and side wall portions, a finger pressed out from the bottom of the member and extending in the direction of and adjacent one side wall thereof, said finger having its free end portion bent laterally outward to provide an engageable projection, and a projection on said end wall portion of the member extending transversely thereof in the same direction as said finger constituting a, position-maintaining stop for the member and the finger.

9. An insert for slidably connecting the overlapping runner members of an extensible structure comprising a sheet metal member of generally channel cross-section shape including bottom, end and side wall portions, a finger pressed out from the bottom of the member and extending in the direction of and adjacent one side wall thereof, said finger having its free end portion bent laterally outward to provide an engageable projection, a projection on said end wall portion of the member extending transversely thereof in the same direction as said finger constituting a transverse position-maintaining stop for the member and the finger, and one of said side walls of the member having a portion thereof projecting outwardly to provide longitudinal position-maintaining stop for said member.

10. An insert for slidably connecting the overlapping runner members of an extensible structure comprising a sheet metal member of generally channel cross-section shape having bottom arid side wall portions, 2, finger portion pressed out from the bottom of the member and extending in the direction of and adjacent one side wall portion thereof, said finger having its free end portion bent laterally outward to provide an engageable projection, and at least one other finger pressed out from said bottom and extending in the direction of and adjacent the other side wall of said member constituting a position-maintaining stop for the member and the first finger, said first and other finger being relatively spaced from each other cross-wise of said member.

11. An insert for slidably connecting the overlapping runner members of an extensible structure comprising a, member of generally channel cross-section shape having bottom and side wall portions, a finger portion projecting from the bottom of the member in the direction of and adjacent one side wall portion thereof, said finger having its free end portion bent laterally outward to provide an engageable projection,

and at least one other finger projecting from said bottom in the direction of and adjacent the other side wall of said member constituting a transverse position-maintaining stop for the member and the first finger, said first and other finger being relatively spaced from each other cross-wise of said member, and one of said side walls of the member having a portion thereof projecting outwardly to provide longitudinal position'maintaining stop for said member.

12. An insert for slidably connecting the overlapping runner members of an extensible structure comprising a sheet metal member of generally channel cross-section shape having bottom and side wall portions, a finger portion pressed out from the bottom of the member and extending in the direction of and adjacent one side wall portion thereof, said finger having its free end portion bent laterally outward to provide an engageable projection, and at least one other finger pressed out from said bottom and extending in the direction of and adjacent the other side wall of said member constituting a transverse position-maintaining stop for the member and the first finger, said first and other finger being relatively spaced from each other cross-wise of said member, and one of said side walls of the member having a portion thereof projecting outwardly to provide a longitudinal position-maintaining stop for said member.

WILLIAM R. FRY. 

